Canon Ix6850 - Pigment ink alignment problem?

[Seniorshot]

Hi there,
This is my first post so please be gentle!

I have attached some images of my printer output. I first noticed a problem about 2 weeks ago.
Firstly can I say that I have conducted the usual head cleaning routines and also the auto alignment and manual alignment procedures outlined in the Canon online manual. These have not resolved the issue. I have sent the first 2 images to Canon support and as yet, I'm still waiting a reply. They have suggested, after I first described to them the problem over the phone, that a return to their service centre will probably be required - Ahhhhhh!
The Canon ix6850 is 4 years old and has been mainly used for the occasional A3 print of CAD drawings certainly not overused. I have been using compatible inks from "InternetINK"
I am awaiting a replacement of the C550 cartridge but don't really believe that this will solve the problem.

The first image ix6850pattern.jpg is the head cleaning output result - you can see the problem at the PGBK output.
The 2nd image ix6850manual aalignment.jpg is the 3rd and final manual head alignment output . You can see the problem with the +and - numbers but the column letters appear to be OK.

I decided to show the output from a CAD drawing showing the very poor output I am getting:
See IMG_20180728-1.jpg
I then decided to try printing the same CAD drawing using Photographic paper ans settings - ie no pigment ink used and the output is as it should be almost perfect see IMG_0180728_2.jpg

My own limited knowledge leads me to draw the following conclusion, the problem looks like some kind of alignment problem with the pigment ink.

I look forward to hearing what you experts think the problem might be.
I am tempted to replace the print head at a cost of about £60.00, this would be cheaper than a Canon repair but perhaps you may have other ideas ?

I look forward to any help/suggestions that might resolve this problem
Cheers
Roger

ix6850pattern.jpg

ix6850 manual alignment.jpg

IMG_20180728-1.jpg

IMG_20180728-2.jpg

 

[stratman]

Welcome to the forum, Seniorshot.

The nozzle check Pigment Black portion shows a separation of vertical lines. This is due to warped Pigment Black nozzles from heat damage. It is hypothesized damage is due to inadequate cooling properties of some third party inks to cool down the nozzles when they heat up to spit out ink on the paper. Of course, this damage may occur with OEM Canon ink and a catastrophic failure of the print head itself regardless of the ink used. This damage is irreparable. Only a new print head will resolve the issue.

See this thread for more info. Read posts #2 and #3.

As you have found out, you can bypass the use of Pigment Black by selecting a photo paper type such as Matte instead of Plain Paper. This will force the use of the Dye-based colored cartridges to make Black. Using the Dye-based inks may result in less intense black, lesser resolution of text, and loss of water resistance compared to Pigment Black ink.

 

[The Hat]

Hi @Seniorshot, and welcome, I see you have done all the things that most would have done in your situation, including the mistake of contacting Canon...

As your printer is 4 years old, you should have no complaints about it, and there is no point in telling you all the things you should have, because most likely none of them would have saved your print head anyway.

You have also found you can continue to use your printer successfully when set to matte media and that would be the best way to go for the future or until you decide to get a new print head.

The main causes of print head failure are lack of use, your printer needs to be used at least once a week to keep it in good condition, but in saying that, you got four years which is pretty good even when using cheap inks...

So, I’m sorry we can’t give you any better news, but stick around and we might be able to help next time if you got stuck again...
Great first post...

 

[stratman]

most likely none of them would have saved your print head anyway.

Maybe, maybe not.

Since this issue is primarily attributed to poor cooling properties of ink used, one thing to consider is if a better quality third party ink is available for use. Another thing to consider is slowing down print times to minimize heat and its effects in the print head during extended print jobs.

These has been mainly theoretical suggestions, but may be worthy of consideration.

 

[Seniorshot]

Many thanks to both Stratman and The Hat for your prompt replies. What a fantastic useful resourse this forum is, just think before the internet and forums like this how long it would have taken to reach the conclusion you have. I'm sure Canon will come back with the need to send the printer to one of their service centres, the repair cost being uneconomical along with the encumbent delay.

I'm very grateful to know that if I decide to spend £60.00 on a replacement printhead then it will not be money wasted.
One of my thoughts after reading your replies is that it might also be sensible to move the position of the printer. Currently it is in full view of the mid-day sun and with recent very hot temperatures this may have contributed to the heating problem - along with the compatible inks ! So one of my next moves will be to move the location of the printer out of the midday sun.

You mention a better quality third party ink - with so many on the market can you recommend any particular brand ?

Once again a very big thank you for your assistance in the assessment of the problem.

 

[stratman]

So one of my next moves will be to move the location of the printer out of the midday sun.

Agree!

You User Manual will tell you recommended operating environmental conditions.

See page 169 of the ix6850 online PDF User Manual found here. I choose to download the manual and a window popped up to save or open as a PDF file. I had it open in Adobe Acrobat which is what I have installed to view PDF files.

 

[stratman]

You mention a better quality third party ink

What country are you located? Where in the world you are impacts what you can easily or less expensively obtain supplies.

Since we are a refilling forum, the recommendations usually begins with refilling in mind. The online refill business called Octoink in the UK has quality refill inks. It is owned-operated by trusted forum member Websnail. His web page for your printer is here. He does not sell a chip resetter, so he sells aftermarket cartridges with ARC chip that reset on their own. Octoink has full instructions on refilling and use of ARC chips. The initial cost is relatively high but depending on how much you print you can make up for the expense within a year or so. Look at your costs over time to determine the feasibility for you.

Canon OEM cartridges are always the preferred choice when refilling. There are chip resetters for OEM cartridge chips such as this one that claims "unlimited resets". Octopus is a good site from reports I've read. You would not need ARC chips if you have a chip resetter.

Here is an argument about using ARC chips over a chip resetter that was made over 2 years ago. Note that chip resetters back then for your model cartridge had very limited reset capabilities compared to the one I linked above.

Any suggestions on third party filled compatible cartridges I will leave to other members.

 

[PeterBJ]

I agree with stratman that the print head is defective. I looks like the logic board has not yet been damaged so chances are very good that a new print head will cure the printer. The print head is QY6-0086 if you want to search for one. Avoid print heads from the Far East and only buy from regular dealers of Canon spare parts.

@Seniorshot I don't known your location, but the printer is the European version. Here is a British supplier of the print head, and here is a German supplier.

As the printer is A3 and likely more expensive than an A4 printer I think replacing the print head makes sense.

 

[Seniorshot]

Thank you Stratman for your reply about 3rd party cartridges and refilling kits.
I have viewed the videos and the relevant Octoink web pages for my printer.
For me personally, the jury is still out on refilling systems, I have used these in the past on previous printers but I'm not convinced about the cost, the messiness and the time element to refilling. I am based in the UK but the Octoink kits seem rather expensive for a low user of ink and it would certainly take some considerable time for them to be cost effective for me.
I think I am more inclined to change to a better quality manufacturer of compatible cartridges As I said in my original post I have been using "InternetINK" as my supplier but after my recent experience I will now definitely change to another supplier.
If anyone can recomend a better alternative?

 

[Seniorshot]

Thank you PeterBJ for your info and suggestions of suppliers of a replacement printhead, that will come in very useful. (I am based in Scotland)